17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ask, and it will be given to you.

When we see the child in the sweet shop nagging and moaning at mum or dad for something, we probably don’t think of it as a model of our prayer lives! And yet, if we take the word of God seriously today, that is exactly what our faith teaches us to do! The message is persistence – never giving up, even if prayers do not seem to be answered. We shouldn’t ask why they are not answered on the spot (God’s probably got a reason), but should just continue beating on the door of heaven in faith and hope.

Psalm

I thank you, Lord, with all my heart, you have heard the words of my mouth. In the presence of the angels I will bless you. I will adore before your holy temple. I thank you for your faithfulness and love which excel all we ever knew of you. On the day I called, you answered; you increased the strength of my soul. The Lord is high yet he looks on the lowly and the haughty he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of affliction you give me life and frustrate my foes. You stretch out your hand and save me, your hand will do all things for me. Your love, O Lord, is eternal, discard not the work of your hands.

First Reading: Genesis 18: 20-32

Second Reading: Col 2: 12-14

Gospel Reading: Luke 11:1-13

17th Week in Ordinary Time 2016 Newsletter

Please pray for Canon John and the pilgrims who are travelling to Lourdes with the Welsh National Pilgrimage. On Tuesday the Grotto Mass will be concelebrated by Bishop Tom Burns, Canon John and other welsh priests at 8.30am French time (7.30am here). The Mass can be viewed on http://en.lourdes-france.org